The Dolphins could create more salary cap space by extending Reggie Bush.

It was recently learned that last year’s trade with the New Orleans Saints, which brought Miami tailback Reggie Bush, involved backup safety Jonathan Amaya and a SWAP of sixth-round draft picks in 2012.

This won’t be confirmed until the NFL releases all seven rounds of draft picks, and announces the compensatory picks at the NFL’s owner’s meeting in late March. But I’ve got no reason to believe its false considering the information came from the New Orleans Times-Picayune.

That means the Dolphins got a tailback who in 15 games rushed for 1,086 yards, caught 296 yards worth of passes, scored seven touchdowns, served as a locker room leader, and is presently the face of the franchise. And all this for dropping a couple of spots in the sixth round.

Considering the last few sixth-rounders Miami selected were fullback Charles Clay, offensive tackle Andrew Gardner, who lasted one season with the team, Jalen Parmele, Donald Thomas, Lex Hilliard, Reagan Mauia and Drew Mormino, it turns out that was a pretty solid deal General Manager Jeff Ireland made.

Never mind that the Dolphins were the only team actively pursuing Bush at the time. New Orleans traded Bush to ensure that he didn’t end up in Tampa Bay, playing for a division rival.

Bush, who will earn $4.5 million this season because of the extension Miami gave him during the trade, is entering the final year of his contract.

It is POSSIBLE the Dolphins could extend his deal to create a little more salary cap space. Say Miami adds an extra one or two years at the same salary ($4.5 million a season), and gives him most of the money upfront, it could create approximately $2 million more in spending room.

Bush knows he’s not getting any younger. And considering how much Bush LOVES South Florida’s life – he repeatedly told us so – I’m told that would be something this 26-year-old would be open to doing.

Bush hasn’t firmly put down roots in South Florida YET.

The Dolphins have a vision for Bush moving forward, especially since his skill set fits the west coast offense.

“He’s what we thought we would be. I thought he had a great year,” Ireland said. “I’m excited to have him back on the team.”

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OMAR KELLY was unsuccessful at achieving his childhood dream to become a super hero, so he figured he'd do the next best thing and become a journalist who fights against injustice, and searches for truth. After being bored to death reporting news and covering politics, he switched to sports.
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IZZY GOULD joined the Sun Sentinel in Feb. 2012 as a Senior Sports Reporter on the Miami Dolphins beat. He came to South Florida fresh off covering the University of Alabama football program, including its 2011 national championship team. More